Ride ’em, cowgirl

Gun totin', lasso spinnin' and cattle herding have typically been seen as cowboy work. Now cowgirls are taking over the ranch. Just America, which offers wild west holidays on nine ranches in America's southwest and Rocky Mountains, says female guests are set to outnumber men this year. Guests can choose basic ranches such as Kara Creek, Wyoming, where you sleep in bunkhouses, tents or tepees, or opt for more luxurious ones with spas like the four-star Tanque Verde Ranch, Arizona. Most offer horseriding and horse(wo)manship training, rodeos, riflery, western dancing and hiking.

Health farm

Rural B&Bs offer an affordable alternative to luxury spas, says Isabel Choat.

Ranching out

There is a way to see southern Spain's wild side, says Claire Cozens - and it doesn't involve all-night partying. Instead she settled into the saddle and set out on a horse-trekking tour of the Alpujarras.

Spring in their step

Walking holidays don't need to be chilly British affairs, says Donald MacLeod. And to prove it, he joined a group hiking through Spain's spectacular Alicante mountains.

Women in step

From Morocco to Alaska, Ian Belcher finds the latest healthy but fun options.

Home and away

We ask the experts where to enjoy the best climbing in the UK and overseas.

Storms and teacups

Moving through southern Europe, Nick meets a grumpy Portuguese horse, survives a scary plane ride and soaks up some Sicilian coffee-shop culture.

Green light

Ian Belcher finds the latest healthy but fun options.